Annapolis City Council Regular Meeting - March 9, 2026
Annapolis City Council Regular Meeting - March 9, 2026
The Annapolis City Council held a regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:45 PM in the Mayor John T. Chambers, Jr. City Council Chambers. The meeting began with a closed session at 5:50 PM to discuss collective bargaining negotiations and pending litigation regarding the City Dock project, concluding at 6:50 PM. The public session reconvened at 7:00 PM. Key actions included unanimous adoption of a resolution honoring longtime community leader De Lorma “Dee” Goodwyn, passage of a 12-month moratorium on new non-owner-occupied short-term rental licenses (8-1), and a public hearing on harbor line changes for the Hawkins Cove Restoration project. The Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) presented its quarterly report, detailing plans to redevelop Eastport Terrace/Harbor House from 357 units to 722 mixed-income units.
Consent Calendar
- Approved unanimously: Special meeting minutes (2/2/26, 2/23/26), regular meeting minutes (2/9/26), and appointments to the Board of Supervisors of Elections: Jan Lee (new), Liam Mercer and Deborah Yatsuk (reappointments).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Public Comments (General): Multiple speakers, including Rev. Michael Parker, Carl Snowden, Gerald Stansbury, Chuck Hurley, and others, expressed strong support for a resolution to name Northwest Street after De Lorma “Dee” Goodwyn, highlighting her civil rights work and community leadership. One speaker (Patty Cousins) urged adoption of a temporary moratorium on new short-term rental licenses, citing neighborhood stability concerns. Another speaker (Debbie Odom) raised issues about eviction notices and rent increases at HACA properties. Several speakers (including family members) testified in support of the Goodwyn resolution.
- Public Hearing on O-3-26 (Hawkins Cove Harbor Lines): Five speakers, including Matthew Wallace (on behalf of community members), Bill Borwegen (Eastport Civic Association), Jess Packler, Donna Johnson (HACA resident), and others, all expressed support for the ordinance to change harbor lines to enable the Hawkins Cove Restoration project, emphasizing improved public water access, ecological restoration, and recreational benefits.
Discussion Items
- O-40-25: 12-Month Moratorium on New Short-Term Rental Licenses: Extensive debate and multiple amendments were considered. Amendments included:
- Amendment #5 (Huntley): Reduce moratorium from 12 to 6 months – defeated on voice vote.
- Amendment #1 (Smith-Brown): Establish detailed proof-of-residency requirements – carried on voice vote.
- Amendment #2 (Smith-Brown): Require interim briefing at 6 months and final report 60 days before expiration – carried on voice vote.
- Amendment #3 (Huntley): Align report requirements with existing annual short-term rental report – carried 5-4.
- Amendment #4 (Thorp): Require monthly reports from the City Manager on active licenses, registrations, and enforcement actions – carried on voice vote.
- Amendment #6 (Savage): Revised whereas clauses to focus on non-owner-occupied rentals, acknowledge previous legislation, and remove assumptions about negative impacts – carried as amended (with removal of “and monumental” and paragraph 8).
- Amendment #6A (Littmann): Add a whereas clause on impacts of non-owner-occupied rentals (decreased long-term residents, school enrollment, housing availability, etc.) – carried on voice vote.
- Amendment #7 (O'Neill): Reinsert lines 22-35 (comprehensive study provisions) – carried 5-4.
- R-5-26: Honorary Street Designation for De Lorma “Dee” Goodwyn: After public testimony, council suspended rules and adopted on second reader unanimously (9-0).
- R-6-26: Itinerant Merchant Sales in Historic District: Adopted on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
- R-3-26: Water Service Agreement with North Point Property LLC: Adopted on second reader 8-0-1 (Alderman Smith-Brown abstained).
- HACA Quarterly Report: Executive Director Melissa Maddox-Evans presented plans for the Eastport Terrace/Harbor House redevelopment (357 to 722 units, $300+ million, four phases). Council discussed funding, timeline, relocation, environmental remediation at Spa Road, infrastructure impacts, and transportation needs. Alderman Thorpe proposed a task force to address impacts; Mayor suggested Planning and Zoning lead engagement.
Key Outcomes
- O-40-25 (Short-Term Rental Moratorium): Adopted on third reader 8-1 (Alderman Savidge opposed). The moratorium imposes a 12-month pause on new non-owner-occupied short-term rental licenses, with monthly reporting and interim/final reports from the City Manager.
- R-5-26 (Honorary Street): Adopted unanimously (9-0) – Northwest Street between Church Circle and College Creek to be designated ‘De Lorma “Dee” Goodwyn Way’.
- R-3-26 (Water Service Agreement): Adopted 8-0-1 (Smith-Brown abstained) – authorizing extension of city water service to 1053 Chesapeake Harbour Road.
- O-3-26 (Hawkins Cove Harbor Lines): Public hearing closed; no vote taken – will proceed to legislative action.
- Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
- CA-1-26 (Charter Publication): Adopted on first reader and referred to Rules and City Government Committee.
- R-6-26 (Itinerant Merchants): Adopted on first reader and referred to Finance Committee.
- Meeting adjourned at 10:58 PM.
Meeting Transcript
She said you're good. Yes, good. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, okay. The regular meeting of the Annapolis City Council will begin at on Monday at March ninth, twenty twenty-six. We'll be called to order at five forty-five. I didn't say that very well. At this time, we will have a moment of silence to gather ourselves to prepare prepare for the business ahead. At this time, would everyone willing and able please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which one under this role with liberty and justice for all. Yes, sir. Mayor Littman. Alderman Huntley. Here. Present. Thank you. Thank you. City Attorney, will you please present the next item on the agenda? The next item on the agenda is business and miscellaneous beginning with ID thirty three twenty-six the proposed closed session pursuant to annotated code of Maryland general provisions, Section Three B eight nine discussion topics update on co on collective bargaining negotiations and pending or potential litigation regarding the city dock project. So moved. I think the city council meeting of March 9th will resume. We are going back on the record after having been on uh in closed session. Uh Ms. City Attorney, will you please present the next item on the agenda? The next item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda. Thank you. At this time, I would entertain a motion to approve the agenda as amended to remove ordinances, reallocation of unexpended bond proceeds, and 0126, property tax, child care centers, family child care homes, and large family child care homes. So moved. So what do you point to? Okay. Alderman O'Neill, would you like to make the motion? Mr. Maycer, can I also make a motion to add a ceremonial item to the agenda? Um today being the 53rd anniversary of a higher date of speaking to your microscope. Thank you. Absolutely. We'll add that to the list. Thank you. Ald uh Alderman Smith Brown. Any discussion? I can't hear you. Another motion. Another motion. Another motion. Okay. What's your motion? Well, I would like to move to put the housing author update from the housing authority at the end of the agenda.
openpublica.com